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All types in a row
With some conditions, urine or stool can no longer leave the body normally. In such a case you can get a stoma. This bag is placed on your abdomen and collects all waste.
There are several conditions that may require a stoma. A stoma is often associated with the elderly, but young people can also have a stoma. Due to a disease, such as polyps, tumors and intestinal infections, but also due to congenital disorders. In the Netherlands there are 28,000 people with a stoma.
How does a stoma work?
A stoma is an artificial opening made in the abdominal wall. Since the undigested food no longer passes through the intestines, it comes out in the stoma. The exit of the stoma is a small raised opening on one side of the abdominal wall. This allows the undigested food to be collected in an (odor and leak-free) bag. A removable plastic bag can be attached around. This makes it watertight and prevents the exit from being contaminated with the intestinal contents. The intestinal contents are irritating to the skin, which means there is a chance of excoriation. To avoid this, it is important to use a well-fitting aid and protective cream. With a stoma it is no longer possible to hold stools. This is normally possible because of the sphincter of the anus.
Types of stomas
There are three types of stomas:
- Urinary stoma: an artificial outlet for the urine. Due to a bladder disorder, the leaders are brought out through a stoma.
- Ieostomy: an artificial exit from the small intestine. In this case, the large intestine is completely removed or inoperative. The small intestine exits through the stoma.
- Colostomy: an artificial exit from the large intestine. A diseased part of the colon is removed and a healthy part is led out.
Temporary or permanent?
An ileostomy is often a temporary necessity. For example, if there is a blockage further down the bowel, or if the lower bowel needs rest and no food is allowed through it for a while due to recovery from illness, injury or surgery. Temporary stomas can usually be repaired with almost no loss of bowel function. A colostomy is (usually) permanent.
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